- June 10, 2024
- Truck Accidents
Automobile crashes can lead to catastrophic damage, and with five-lane highways and a culture of aggressive driving, it is no wonder that Texas has been found to have the most fatal automobile accidents per year in the United States. Indeed, one person dies in a fatal automobile accident every two hours and fifteen minutes, and one person is injured nearly every two minutes. Moreover, accidents involving large commercial trucks are not uncommon, and you might be surprised to learn just how much damage a 20-30 times heavier vehicle can cause. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX catastrophic injury attorneys take a look at commercial truck accidents, culpability in such wrecks, and what your legal options look like should you seek a consultation with an experienced attorney.
Statistics About Truck Collisions
With respect to the different parties that can be involved in a commercial truck accident, 16 percent of fatalities are truck drivers, 67 percent are occupants in other passenger vehicles, and 15 percent of deaths are pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists. Additionally, large truck fatal accidents have increased 43 percent in the U.S. since 2010, and 48 percent of crashes of this nature occur between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.1
Unlike a standard car, truck, or SUV, a commercial vehicle such as an 18-wheeler requires great effort and consistency on the part of the company for safety, maintenance, and overall operation. Moreover, not just anyone can operate a tractor-trailer. In fact, drivers must obtain their commercial drivers license and undergo testing to obtain the necessary clearance. That being said, drivers can still engage in behaviors that can lead to a greater probability of experiencing a truck accident, such as distracted driving, speeding, careless lane changing, failure to obey road signs, and more.
Believe it or not, the most common cause of commercial truck collisions is driver fatigue. After all, many jobs require drivers to drive long hours and distances across the country. If a driver drives more hours than allowed under federal regulations, there is a much higher chance for something to go wrong.
What Types of Injuries You May See
Due to the large size of 18-wheelers and their weight, major catastrophic injuries are not uncommon as a result of a collision. For instance, a person may experience spinal cord injuries and/or paralysis, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, third-degree burns, internal bleeding, and organ damage. In addition to these, a person may also become impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder, have to receive an amputation, and even death. To learn more about the types of injuries that can occur as a result of this type of crash, give our team a call today.
So, Who is At Fault?
Depending on the nature of the situation and the facts surrounding it, there are several people who may be determined at fault in a truck accident. These individuals can include the truck driver, the truck company, the manufacturer of the truck, the inspector, cargo loaders, and maintenance technicians. Keep in mind however, that you will receive a more robust answer from an experienced attorney during your initial consultation.
Choosing The Best Team
If you are ready to pursue a truck accident claim, whether on behalf of yourself or a deceased loved one, you should seek experienced and skilled attorneys in the field. Contact Crain Brogdon LLP in Dallas, TX by calling (214) 522-9404 to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team. We proudly serve the Dallas and surrounding areas.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Last modified 2021. https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks#:~:text=A%20total%20of%204%2C714%20people,were%20pedestrians%2C%20bicyclists%20or%20motorcyclists. ↩︎
Attorney Quentin Brogdon
Quentin Brogdon has over thirty years of experience and expertise in the field of personal injury trial law. He is board certified in both personal injury trial law and civil trial advocacy. Quentin has received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating. This rating reflects an attorney’s ethics and abilities according to reviews from fellow attorneys. [ Attorney Bio ]
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